Ignored for Asia Cup 2025, Power-Hitter Asif Ali announces retirement from International cricket

Pakistan Batter Asif Ali Retires: Before the Asia Cup, Pakistani batsman Asif Ali has said goodbye to his international career. He announced this through a social media post on Tuesday, although he has clarified that he will continue to play domestic cricket. Asif Ali was out of the Pakistan team for a long time. He played his last T20 match for Pakistan in October 2023. Asif Ali was also not selected for the Asia Cup 2025, after which he has taken this decision.

Announced retirement on Instagram

Pakistan's middle order batsman Asif Ali wrote in an Instagram post, I announce my retirement from international cricket, wearing the Pakistan jersey has been the biggest honour of my life, serving my country on the cricket field is the proudest thing for me.

Asif Ali will continue to play domestic cricket

Asif Ali thanked his supporters and said, "Thank you to my fans, teammates and coaches who gave me love, trust and support in every ups and downs, also thank you to my family and friends who stood by me in happy and difficult times, especially in tragedy like the death of my beloved daughter during the World Cup, their strength gave me the strength to move forward." He wrote, "I retire with immense gratitude. I will continue to share my passion for the game by playing domestic and league cricket around the world."

Debut in April 2018, made a name as a power hitter

Asif Ali started his international career in April 2018, he scored 382 runs in 21 ODIs for Pakistan at an average of 25.46, which included three half-centuries. At the same time, in 58 T20 matches, this right-handed batsman scored 577 runs at an average of 15.18, he was mainly used as a finisher and power-hitter.

Played a memorable innings in T20 World Cup 2021

Asif Ali played a memorable innings against Afghanistan in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021, Pakistan needed 24 runs in 12 balls to win, in such a situation, Asif hit four sixes in Karim Janat's over and scored 25 runs in 7 balls to give the team victory with one over remaining. While chasing the target against India in Asia Cup-2022, he played an important role in giving Pakistan victory in the last over by scoring 16 runs in 8 balls.

He was in the headlines for clashing with an Afghan player

After Asif Ali was out in the Super-4 of Asia Cup 2022, he clashed with Afghanistan bowler Farid Ahmed. Asif was returning to the pavilion after being out when there was an altercation between the two players. The matter was resolved after the intervention of the umpire and fellow players.